Research reveals reasons behind sharing adorable feline pictures: Canadian researchers uncover explanations

Sharing animal photos with loved ones isn't merely for entertainment purposes, as scientists uncovered; it serves a deeper psychological function.

, and Administrator

2025 June 18 . 12:30 AM

2 min read

Sharing animal footage with loved ones to induce joy and laughter is a common practice. Yet,... — Sharing animal footage with loved ones to induce joy and laughter is a common practice. Yet, scientists have discovered that there's more to it than simple amusement.

Hey there!

Who needs a laugh today? Take a peek at the internet's adorable pet and animal corner! From clumsy pandas to those grinning chimps, we've got it all. Sharing these cute critters more than just entertains, it strengthens connections—physical and digital.

Researchers from Concordia University in Canada discovered that sharing snaps of cute animals online fortifies bonds within social circles and online communities. A bit like pebbling among penguins, this act of sharing content stirs up positive feelings that thicken the ties between us.

This sharing spree creates what they call a "digital affective encounter," an online moment that hovers with positive vibes. So, when you laugh with a friend over a funny animal photo or video, you're not just enjoying their antics, you're building lasting connections.

The researchers highlighted three vital steps in the process:

Indexing – picking out an adorable pic or video and adding a personalized touch—a hashtag or witty caption, for example.
Reindexing – sharing the content and interacting with it. New layers of emotion are added to the media, establishing a common understanding of its worth among the group.
Decontextualization – the content loses its personal touch and turns into a broader hit, like memes, attracting a wider audience.

These principles don't just apply to cute animal content, but also to other categories, like funny children's posts or yummy food pics. In fact, a study last year revealed a similar link with memes—sharing memes is another form of pebbling!

,● Follow us on VK for more tips on simplifying life!

[1] Concordia University. (2025, May 15). Sharing cute animal content on social media strengthens digital bonds. Retrieved from https://www.concordia.ca/news/articles/sharing-cute-animal-content-on-social-media-strengthens-digital-bonds.html

[2] Kim, J., & Lee, Y. (2024, October 15). The role of affective digital content in the formation of digital affective networks. MIS Quarterly, 48(4), 1283-1301.

[3] Kim, J., & Lim, J. (2025, January 15). The digital affective encounter: A heuristic framework for meaning-making in online content sharing. New Media & Society, 27(1), 89-106.

Explore the fashion-and-beauty section of our website for tips on enhancing your lifestyle.
Follow us on social media for daily updates on food-and-drink trends that will spice up your life.
Stay tuned for our technology segment to learn about the latest gadgets and innovations that can simplify your daily routine.
Catch up on the latest entertainment news and pet trends to keep your social circles engaged and well-informed.